UPDATED: 5 Things You Need To Know Today in Framingham: February 11

Today is an early release day for Framingham Public elementary and middle school students.

1 The Main Framingham Library will kick-off its Lifelong Learning Lecture series tonight at 7 at the memorial Building. Dr. Helen Heineman will present the free lecture The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by author Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the Blumer Room.

2. The Framingham Town Clerk’s office certified the final signatures submitted by Charter Commission candidates on Wednesday. Voters will be asked to approve the creation of a Charter Commission at the town’s election on March 29. They will also be asked to elect 9 Commissioners from a slate of 26 candidates.

3. FLYERS in action:

• Framingham High boys ice hockey defeated Wellesley 5-1 last night to win the Bay State Conference Carey Division title.
• Final alpine race of the season for Framingham High ski team. Blue Hills at 6 p.m.
• Tonight is senior night for the Framingham High boys basketball team. Tip-off against Brookline is at 6:30 p.m.
• Last night was senior night for the Framingham High girls ice hockey team. Click here to view more than 45 photos. The team lost to the Raiders 3-1.
• Girls basketball travels to Brookline for a game at 6:45 p.m.
• Redhawks defeated Framingham High wrestling team to remain undefeated.

The Marian High Mustangs have no athletic contests scheduled today.

4. The Amazing Things Art Center in partnership with E.L. Mann CPA will be the host of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce’s February’s Business After Hours tonight. The event is from 5:30 to 7 at 160 Hollis Street. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for not-yet-members.

5. Staples, Inc. said Wednesday morning it has received approval from the European Union to acquire Office Depot.

“This is a significant step, and we’re very pleased that the European Commission has approved this transaction,” said Staples CEO and Chair Ron Sargent in a statement.

“The acquisition has been approved in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Europe. Regulatory agencies around the world understand that this acquisition will allow Staples to provide increased value and service to customers of all sizes. We look forward to a full, impartial judicial review in the United States,“ said Sargent.

The estimated $6 billion merger is the subject of ongoing litigation with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, as well as the Canadian Competition Bureau.